THOMASVILLE, Ga. – Faulkner suffered its second loss in as many outings Thursday when a controversial play in the 89th minute set up the lone goal of the contest in a 1-0 Thomas victory.
With less than 90 seconds remaining, a ball sent from the back line caromed off the pitch and appeared destined to be corralled by a Faulkner defender before a run from a Nighthawk forward created a collision that left both players sprawling to the turf. Cameron Hawkins hop-scotched over the traffic of downed players to put the ball into the net, prompting an eruption from the Thomas bench as the celebration spilled onto the field.
The Hawkins goal and accompanying Diego Sanchez assist proved only just the fourth shot on goal for the Nighthawks all contest. Yet, it was plenty for a physical and relatively chippy afternoon that consisted of eight yellow cards, including six in the final 12 minutes of the match. For its part, Faulkner managed 11 shots with just one being on target. Jorge Gonzalez saved that lone look to notch the clean sheet for Thomas.
The loss proves the second consecutive setback for a Receiving Votes Eagle squad that opened the season at 9-0-1. Faulkner (9-2-1, 4-2 SSAC) has four regular season contests remaining and will play again Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
